Hundreds will raid the fancy dress closet and thousands will go to watch as Medway’s annual Dickensian Christmas Festival returns this weekend. Dan Wright reports.

Time travel is impossible, we all know that. But this weekend in Rochester, thousands will wind back the clock for the annual Dickensian Christmas Festival.

With hundreds dressed in period Victorian costume, snow falling in-between the city’s historic architecture, and the strong smell of roasted chestnuts hanging in the air, stepping back in time may seem possible – for one weekend at least.

Generally regarded as the greatest novelist of the Victorian period, the festival is all about Charles Dickens.

He created some of the world’s best-known fictional characters and despite passing away aged 58 in 1870, his work – including Oliver Twist and A Christmas Carol – is still enjoyed the world over and his influence in Kent is still very strong.

The author, who lived in Medway for 20 years and passed away in Higham, has strong links with the county, something it is proud to show off. So much so, hundreds will don crinolines, bonnets and top hats this weekend as the festival takes place on Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7.

It is expected to attract around 60,000 people and the city will be filled with colourful characters and street entertainers as participants and spectators dress up in Victorian costume, taking part in the daily parades and competitions.

Howard Doe of Medway Council said: “The Dickensian Christmas festival is a real highlight in Medway’s events calendar. It gives residents and visitors the chance to get into the Christmas mood and discover the area’s strong Dickens connections.”

Visitors can enjoy parades, carols, a candle-lit costumed procession, Punch and Judy shows and even rub shoulders with wandering Dickens characters, who will help will transform the High Street in to a true Victorian vision.

Rochester Castle Gardens are set to be bursting with festive favourites, too, as the Christmas market will be in full swing on both days.

In a new attraction, reindeer will be roaming the castle’s moat and – with Santa’s sleigh in tow – will be available to meet the public and pose for photos free of charge.

The reindeer can be met between 10.30am and 4.30pm on both days.

Howard added: “The festival is always very popular and we expect tens of thousands of people to come along over the weekend.

“It’s a free family event with something on offer for everyone.”

The main parade through the High Street takes place at noon on both days. Visit www.visitmedway.org for details.